Renewable energy sources supplied more than half of Ireland’s electricity demand in February, according to data from network operator Eirgrid.

In total, wind, solar, and other renewables accounted for 54.5% of the 2,918 Gigawatt Hours (GWh) of electricity demand last month.

Wind power accounted for the lion’s share of this, generating 48% of Ireland’s electricity needs and setting a new record for peak wind power on Thursday, February 13.

Grid scale solar accounted for 1.3% of electricity generation in February. This figure does not include rooftop solar on homes and businesses.

Other renewable sources of energy such as Peat, Distillate, Combined Heat and Power (CHP), Aggregated Generating Units (AGUs) and Demand Side Units (DSUs) delivered another 4.8% of power demand.

Gas generation accounted for 31% of all electricity used in February, with 12% being imported via interconnection, 2% coming from coal, and the remaining 1% from other sources4.

EirGrid is responsible for leading Ireland’s transition to a low carbon future so that 80% of electricity can come from renewables, as set out in Government targets.

Currently, the electricity grid can accommodate up to 75% of electricity from renewable sources at any one time. 

This is known as the system non-synchronous penetration (SNSP) limit. EirGrid is aiming to further increase the SNSP limit.

Charlie McGee, System Operational Manager at EirGrid, said, “February was one of our strongest months on record for renewables on the grid, as demonstrated by the new peak wind record of 3,884 Megawatts on the evening of 13 February.” 

“As ever, this was supported by a mix of generation sources which help to ensure a stable flow of power at all times on the grid.”